Enclosed Gardens: Flemish masterpieces by women

If you think of an artistic masterpiece, you probably picture a monumental painting or sculpture. But masterpieces exist in all shapes and sizes. The Enclosed Gardens are a perfect example. These richly decorated retable cabinets depict spiritual gardens of paradise. An Enclosed Garden is a meticulously crafted composition with many different elements. They include the so-called Poupées de Malines (polychrome dolls), silk flowers, insignia, medallions, relics, and artefacts made of alabaster, parchment, paper, and pipe clay. The ensemble is finished with sequins, pearls, and beads made of glass, bone, coral, and amber. The result is an impressive and beautiful 'garden', delicately crafted inside a shallow wooden box. The doors of these cabinets feature images of the clients or patron saints.   

You can admire these beautiful works of art at Museum Hof van Busleyden in Mechelen. You will discover a collection of 7 Enclosed Gardens. These were owned for many years by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of the Hospital. Today they are designated as Flemish Masterpieces. The Enclosed Garden showing Saint Elizabeth, Saint Ursula and Saint Catherine is surely the highlight of this collection. These three central figures are superb examples of the so-called Poupées de Malines (Mechelen dolls). These small sculptures were carved from walnut and often depict the same facial features: a round face, high forehead, delicate pouting lips, and almond-shaped eyes. Their clothing is often coloured blue, red, and gold.